ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi emphasized the importance of creating a harassment-free environment for financially-empowered women, stating that their empowerment is a significant contributor to socio-economic development. Speaking at an event organized by the Federal Ombudsman Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH), President Alvi highlighted the need for a safe and secure space for women in both public and domestic domains.
President Alvi asserted that it is the joint responsibility of the State and society to foster a change in attitudes that perpetuate gender-based harassment. He underlined the multifaceted nature of women’s empowerment, encompassing their right to ample representation in financial, political, and leadership spheres. The president emphasized that denying property and inheritance rights to women contradicts Islamic principles and the country’s laws, urging such cases to be reported to legal forums like FOSPAH.
Quoting Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, President Alvi reiterated the importance of women’s participation for a nation to rise to the height of glory. He condemned ‘honour killings’ as criminal acts that require a shift in societal behaviors against social taboos.
Dr. Alvi highlighted the role of media in raising awareness about gender harassment through talk shows, television dramas, and cultural programs. He proposed involving the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to relay short messaging services to cellular phone consumers, promoting awareness about gender harassment.
Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Saleem Ullah, emphasized that women can be a productive workforce contributing to the goals of a stable economy. He mentioned SBP’s efforts to provide training to women on digital finance and collaborate with the Benazir Income Support Programme to open accounts for 9.3 million women.
The Chairperson of FOSPAH stated that the organization addresses grievances related to workplace harassment and women’s property rights within 90 days and without any fee. Since its establishment, FOSPAH has dealt with 8,000 cases of women’s harassment and property matters, providing speedy justice to aggrieved individuals.
The event featured a documentary portraying the challenges faced by women at workplaces and FOSPAH’s activities as a platform for their redressal.
Gender Empowerment Update will continue to monitor initiatives and events promoting gender empowerment and addressing issues related to harassment.
